Consumers

Ahoy!

I decided to write a poem about consumerism and advertising. Having worked at a convenience store for 2 years, and taking advertising in College, I've seen what adverts can do to people, and know what they intend to do.

I also wanted to experiment with some off beat rhyme patterns.

This is untitled.


Walking in through the door
A man
Seems like your standard male human
Brainwashed
Overcome by the messages he sees and hears
That he feels speak to his core.

He fears them
They have the power to take it all away;
His money, his social status, even his life
Throw down a few dollars, they say
And you won't be condemned

He loves them
They can provide his wildest dreams
All the love, sex, money, acceptance and belonging he wants
Follow the link they've made and see it's not there
It was never really intended

Holding what he adores
A pack of gum, a candy bar, potato chips
He remembers
The voices say it can give you what you want
Or take it all away

Place it on the counter
A price is a simple barrier
Take it home and eat it
Nothing happens
He's still the same man he was
When he walked through the door.

Mark Shannelly 2006